Canada Enforces CAD1.5 Million Fines on Immigration Agents

The Canadian government has enacted new immigration regulations that impose penalties of up to CAD1.5 million (approximately $1.07 million) on immigration consultants and representatives who provide unauthorized services or submit false information on behalf of applicants. These regulations, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), are designed to protect foreign nationals from immigration fraud and to enhance accountability among those offering paid immigration and citizenship services.

The rules apply to both licensed and unlicensed representatives, including those operating outside Canada, which could impact immigration agents serving Nigerian applicants. Penalties for unauthorized advice start at CAD 5,000.

The government plans to create an online registry in 2027 to publish the names of penalized representatives and details of their violations. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that these measures would help protect applicants from exploitation and hold dishonest representatives accountable.

Employers managing immigration applications are also advised to ensure that employees handling these processes are authorized to provide paid immigration advice.